The Center for Natural Lands Management seeks a Director of Science-Based Stewardship to lead its stewardship staff in sustaining and enhancing science-based conservation impact across California, Washington, and Oregon.

The Center for Natural Lands Management was founded in 1990. The organization protects sensitive biological resources in California, Washington, and Oregon through professional, science-based stewardship of conservation lands in perpetuity. CNLM assures the perpetual protection of these lands by establishing property-specific stewardship endowments, a model that was unique at the time of its founding and, over time, has become a best practice for land conservation. With endowment-based funding, there is continuous financial support for stewardship, allowing the focus to be on conservation rather than fundraising and employee job security.

The Director of Science-Based Stewardship provides senior leadership for CNLM’s science-based stewardship program, which forms the core of the organization’s mission. This is a new title reflecting CNLM’s organizational growth and commitment to further integrating science-based information and approaches to the stewardship of its expanding portfolio of preserves. Science is deeply integrated across CNLM’s conservation staff: more than 30 stewardship professionals manage preserves, conduct applied research, develop protocols, monitor species, and write management plans, complemented by the Conservation Program staff and a three-person Species Research and Recovery Program. 

This dedicated team of stewardship professionals now seeks its next leader and supporter. The Director’s charge is to set strategy, provide organizational leadership for a complex system, and determine how science-based stewardship is best integrated and implemented across the organization. This leader ensures that scientific principles are rigorously integrated into stewardship plans and practices, that monitoring programs are conducted within an experimental framework, and that CNLM maintains and advances its reputation as a leader in science-based conservation stewardship. 

The Director of Science-Based Stewardship also plays a pivotal internal role: helping to shape and build CNLM’s organizational culture, supporting greater visibility for science within the organization, and contributing to a culture of professional growth, team excellence, and conservation impact. The Director of Science-Based Stewardship reports to the Executive Director and oversees the structure, staffing, training, and performance of a skilled team conducting front-line conservation management and restoration activities. The Director will champion their work, fill capacity gaps, and strengthen the systems that enable them to succeed.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. $125,000–$135,000, commensurate with experience, plus approximately $6,000/year for home office/phone stipends, with the potential for inflationary and merit-based adjustments over time.

The Center for Natural Lands Management provides a generous portion of the employee’s health insurance, dental and vision plans; employer contribution to retirement plan; and offers eleven paid holidays and (initially) three weeks of vacation per year. Vacation is accrued progressively, with accrual at the rate of four weeks annually after two years and five weeks after five years of employment with CNLM.

Location

This position is based in California, where the majority of CNLM’s preserves and staff are located. CNLM maintains a small physical office in Temecula, CA, but operates within a virtual office structure. The Director of Science-Based Stewardship is expected to maintain a home office and must be available and willing to travel regularly to meet with staff in California and Washington, visit preserves, and attend meetings or events, including occasional evening and weekend engagements.

The Director of Science-Based Stewardship must have the ability to work effectively under pressure while meeting deadlines. Travel as required, largely but not exclusively within states where CNLM has real estate interests. Walking over uneven, steep, or vegetation-encumbered terrain to visit preserves or project locations is an anticipated condition. Must be able to navigate independently to various locations for meetings. Must be able to work efficiently and effectively within a virtual office environment and maintain working relationships with staff and others.

Start Date

Fall 2026

To Apply

Interested candidates should apply by August 7 for priority consideration.